WATER Act Re-Introduced Today in Congress

The WATER Act was re-introduced in the 117th Congressional session. It is the same as last year’s version and would provide a major federal investment in our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. It includes significant funds for school water infrastructure. Nearly $35 billion a year would be dedicated without further appropriation, via a trust fund.

The Water Act of 2021:

• Provides $34.85 billion/year for drinking water and wastewater improvements;

• Creates a water trust fund;

• Creates up to nearly 1 million jobs across the economy and protect American workers;

• Prioritizes disadvantaged communities with grants and additional support;

• Expands technical assistance to small, rural and indigenous communities;

• Dedicates and increases grants for indigenous communities;

• Funds projects to address water contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS);

• Helps homeowners replace lead service lines;

• Provides more than $1 billion a year to update water infrastructure in public schools;

• Upgrades household wells and septic systems; and

• Requires US EPA to study water affordability, shutoffs, discrimination, and civil rights violations by water providers

Read the press release from Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), the House sponsor.

Read the commentary from House and Senate sponsors.